Two days in Paris on a budget
Every main stop is free. You pay for the metro and food, and you still see the big views.
- Length: 2 days
- Pace: balanced
- Rough cost: €50–€100 pp
- Best for: Seeing Paris properly while spending on food, not tickets
The plan
Day 1 · Free Paris along the river Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter, Champs-Élysées
- 09:00–10:00 Notre-Dame de Paris
Free; reserve a free slot online.
- 10:10–11:00 Latin Quarter
Rue Mouffetard market street.
- 11:10–12:00 Luxembourg Garden
- 12:00–13:00 Picnic in the garden
Bread, cheese and fruit from a market or supermarket.
- 13:30–15:00 Petit PalaisIndoors
Free permanent collection in a beautiful building.
- 15:30–16:15 Arc de Triomphe (outside)
Use the underpass; the roof is ticketed.
- 16:30–17:30 Trocadéro and Eiffel Tower views
Free views from the esplanade and the Champ de Mars.
- 18:30–20:00 Crêpes or a set-menu bistro
Formules (set menus) are better value than à la carte.
Day 2 · Marais, Montmartre and Père Lachaise Le Marais, Montmartre, 20th
- 10:00–11:15 Musée CarnavaletIndoors
Free museum of Paris history.
- 11:20–12:00 Place des Vosges and Victor Hugo’s house
Both free.
- 12:00–13:00 Falafel on Rue des Rosiers
- 13:30–15:00 Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre
Free basilica and views; walk up the steps.
- 15:30–17:00 Père Lachaise Cemetery
Free.
- 18:30–20:00 Dinner in Belleville
Cheap Asian and North African restaurants.
Rough cost
Per person. Two days of metro fares and budget meals. All sights are free.
Prices checked November 2026 against official and widely published 2026 rates; they change, so confirm before you pay.
Book ahead
- Notre-Dame free time slot — Optional, but it skips the walk-up queue.
If it rains
- Instead of Luxembourg Garden picnic: Lunch in a covered passage — Galerie Vivienne or Passage des Panoramas
- Instead of Père Lachaise: Musée de la Vie Romantique (free permanent collection) below Montmartre
Good to know
- Under-26 EU residents get into many national museums free.
- Tap water is free in restaurants — ask for “une carafe d’eau”.
Book it
- Tickets and tours in Paris (GetYourGuide)
- Hotels in Paris (Booking.com)
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